Metroid: Other M is played holding the Wii Remote horizontally. Normally, the game is played in a third person perspective, where players can jump, fire the arm cannon and turn into a morph ball. This gameplay is similar to the original
Metroid titles, however the environments are three-dimensional and movement is not limited to a two-dimensional plane. By pointing the Wii Remote towards the screen, the game changes to a first person view, where players can lock onto targets and fire missiles; however, players cannot move in this perspective. There are several instances where players will have to constantly switch between play modes; for example, playing in third person to fight off a horde of flying enemies, whilst switching to first person to destroy their
spawn points. Additionally, the first-person mode is also used in exploration, such as locating hidden items.
Other M is the first in the
series to feature a melee combat system. Using well-timed button presses, players can use the Sense Move, which allows them to dodge enemy attacks, or perform a counter attack. Players can also use the Lethal Strike and the Overblast,
which are both for finishing off downed enemies, as well as the Concentration technique, which gradually regenerates health.
